International Mens Day
International Mens Day
International Mens Day
It is worth noting however that IMD is not an exclusive event for men only;
females should also pause to recognise and honour the men and boys in our
society. To celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds and the efforts of male parents
towards their family and the wider society.
1. To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men
but every day, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.
2. To celebrate men's positive contributions to society, community, family,
marriage, child care, and to the environment.
3. To focus on men's health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and
spiritual.
4. To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social
attitudes and expectations, and law.
5. To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
6. To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach
their full potential.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF INTERNATIONAL MENS DAY
1960s
Calls for the creation of International Men's Day
Calls were made since at least the 1960's, with The New York Times writing in
February 1969: "Many men have been agitating privately to make February 23
International Men's Day, the equivalent of March 8, which is International
Women's day."Global calls for its creation continued but various attempts for its
launch did not get much response.
1992
First International Men’s Day is introduced
The idea for this first day first came to Thomas Oaster, a professor in Kansas City,
Missouri, USA, who felt it was important to draw attention to the issues of men.
Originally celebrated on February 7, it had success for a couple of years but then
waned.
1999
International Men’s Day is revived
Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a professor from Trinidad and Tobago, revived the day
but changed it to November 17.
This date was significant because it was not only the birthdate of Teelucksingh’s
father, but it was also the date in 1989 that the Trinidad & Tobago soccer team
qualified for the World Cup, uniting the country with their efforts.
2003
Australia joins International Men’s Day
Growth and popularity of the day soon spread from the Caribbean to other places.
In an effort to specifically support the plight of fathers, International Men’s Day
was brought around in Australia through the efforts of the Dads4Kids Fatherhood
Foundation.
2004
‘Movember’ gains traction in Australia
Also working with the focus of men’s health and other men’s issues, the
Movember movement begins gaining traction (and raising funds!) in Australia.
This event also takes place in November. The original focus was support for
Prostate Cancer Awareness but it has grown to suicide prevention and other men’s
issues.
2007
IMD is pioneered in India
Uma Challa, an Indian Men’s Advocate and mother of two, founded several non-
profit organizations to promote family. Even without knowing the origins of
International Men’s Day, Challa advocated for the event until India’s celebration
became the biggest in the world. (Challa also created International Boy’s Day.)
2009
International Men’s Day committee is formed
Jerome Teelicksingh becomes the committee chair of the new organization with
the aim of increasing awareness and including other nations in observance of this
important day.
Dancehall and Reggage artiste Agent Sasco whose given name is Jeffrey Campbell
is popularly known for his hit songs “Winning Right Now” and “Banks of the
Hope” was recently conferred with the order of distinction for outstanding
contribution to music, philanthropy and positive pro-social messages to young
people on October 17th at the 2022 National Honours and Awards held at King’s
House.
The award was presented to Mr. Campbell for his tireless efforts to help positively
affect youth through his generosity and uplifting messages. For Sasco, the honour
is just a catalyst that will keep him motivated to do more for Jamaican society.
It is refreshing to note that Agent Sasco is one of the few artists that has remained a
household name beyond his transformation from a hard-hitting and gritty artist to a
more positive and inspirational one.
The artist helped build a recording studio to give the youths an avenue to not only
learn about music and earn from it but also use it to help reform themselves while
in state control.
VERLIN LANE
As a child, Verlin Laine spent his free time configuring vreverse-engineering
electronic devices and making other devices work using the same radio
frequency. When he emigrated from Haiti to the United States, he was
introduced to an entirely new technology.
Laine runs Team Logic IT while still working full-time. However, he aims to
grow his business and offerings to entrepreneurs who need technology and
business development support.
He firmly believes that Caribbean individuals who have migrated to first world
countries should seize the opportunity to give back (improve a particular area of
interest) in your native homeland.
DR NICK FULLER